Step 1

Peel the cucumbers: for visual appeal, peel the skin in alternating stripes. Trim the ends of the cucumbers, halve lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Slice the cucumbers into a variety of shapes, or simply slice thinly on the bias to create half moons. Place the cucumbers in a colander and toss with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Let sit for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes, blot dry in a tea towel.

Step 2

Meanwhile, place the scallions in a bowl and cover with ice water. Let stand 20 minutes. Drain and dry well in a tea towel.

Step 3

Combine the cucumbers, scallions, red onion, mint, crushed red pepper flakes, vinegar, and a few generous twists of black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently. Taste. Add flaky sea salt to taste. Add pepper, pepper flakes, and vinegar to taste. Once everything tastes, as Joshua McFadden says, “exciting and balanced”, add 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Toss again. Serve immediately.